Incident Overview
A private certificated pilot was conducting a takeoff from a remote area measuring approximately 700 feet in length and 40 feet in width. The pilot stated that he had previously used this area for landing. During the takeoff run, the airplane lifted off but then appeared to "mush" downward. The pilot lowered the nose, but the left wing collided with a tree about 20 feet above the ground.
Sequence of Events
After the wing struck the tree, the pilot reduced engine power to idle, and the airplane descended into an open area of tall grass located below the takeoff area. During touchdown, the left main landing gear strut was displaced aft from its attachment point at the fuselage. The terrain below the takeoff area consisted of several trees followed by the grassy field.
Damage
The only damage explicitly mentioned is the displacement of the left main landing gear strut from its attach point. No other damage, injuries, or fatalities are stated in the source.